Allergic conjunctivitis means an allergy in the eyes. Therefore, it is a common ailment for allergy sufferers. How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?
Symptoms of Eye Allergies
– Itchy eyes
– Watery eyes
– Red and swollen eyes
– Stinging feeling in eyes
– Sore eyes
– Sensitivity to light
– Blurred vision
One good way to know if the symptoms you have in your eyes are allergy related is itching in the eyes. This usually indicated that allergies are involved.
Eye Allergy Causes
Hay fever is one common cause of allergic conjunctivitis. Medications and cosmetics are also known to cause this condition. Other common causes are allergic rhinitis and dermatitis.
Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis
This condition otherwise known as SAC is a common reason for eye symptoms. It is seasonal because the symptoms are caused by seasonal allergens like pollens. SAC is often caused by pollens found from grass or ragweed.
Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis
This condition occurs throughout the year. It is caused by dust mites, animal dander and feathers.
Diagnosis of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis can be diagnosed by the doctor who takes a history of the patient in order to know what the cause for the symptoms of the allergy might be. Allergy testing is one way to be sure of what is causing the allergy.
Treatment
– Antihistamines
These will help with the inflammation and itching by sedating the reaction you get in the eyes.
– Over the counter eye drops
These help to reduce inflammation in the eyes and reduce eye watering.
– Decongestant eye drops
These will help with the feeling of pressure and eye pain you might experience with eye allergy.
– Allergen immunotherapy
This will help to reduce symptoms by making the immune system accept the allergen without the need to attack it.
